University of Illinois College of Medicine Class of 2026 Celebrates Match Day
Match day photos
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At 11:00 a.m. CDT on Friday, March 20, 2026, fourth-year medical students across the country opened envelops containing news of where they will begin their careers. At the University Illinois College of Medicine’s ceremonies, nearly 300 students across its three campuses matched into residency programs across the U.S.
The 281 UI COM students comprise 166 from the Chicago campus, 65 from the Peoria campus, and 50 from the Rockford campus.
This year, the top matched specialty was internal medicine, followed by family medicine and pediatrics. Top match locations included Illinois, California, and Ohio.
Match Day is a coordinated national event wherein students around the country are notified of their placements in residency programs. Once placed, they will receive three to seven years of specialty training following medical school graduation.
166 students from Chicago, 65 from Peoria, and 50 from Rockford matched into residency programs
Speaking to students in Chicago, Interim G. Stephen Irwin Executive Dean Enrico Benedetti, MD said, “For the parents in the room, witnessing their children not only graduate from medical school but having the certainty of a successful career in the field of their choice is the greatest part of this event.This is a phenomenal day for all of your families. We at the University of Illinois will continue to support you in any capacity we can.”
50 students at Rockford matched into residency programs in 16 specialties in 18 different states.
“Match Day is a momentous occasion for our medical students after years of sacrifice and dedication,” said Trevonne M. Thompson, MD, MHPE, FACMT, Regional Dean of the University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford. “To witness these students reach this milestone during my first week as dean is truly an honor.”
65 students at Peoria matched to 19 different specialties in 23 different states.
“Match Day is one of the most meaningful moments in medical education. This day marks the culmination of years of dedication, resilience, and purpose joining into a single, life-changing reveal. Today, we celebrate not only where our students are going, but who they have become. What makes Match Day so exciting is that it marks both an ending and a beginning. We are incredibly proud to stand alongside the Class of 2026 on this milestone day,” said Meenakshy Aiyer, MD, MACP, Regional Dean at the University of Illinois College of Medicine Peoria.